Tilak Varma OUT, Sanju Samson IN! 3 changes India could make for 4th ENG vs IND T20I
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India will look to bounce back in 4th ENG vs IND after a 125-run defeat in the 3rd T20I.
After a disappointing 2-0 series whitewash in Ireland, the Indian Cricket Team arrived in England with something to prove, but the first T20I in Durham was washed out. The second T20I in Manchester ended in a 4-wicket defeat, and then came Nottingham, where Indian batting completely collapsed and lost the game by 125 runs.
With this, England are leading the ongoing five-match series against India by 2-0. India will now look for a draw by finishing the tour on a positive note. However, if India lose the 4th T20I and the series is gone, making two consecutive bilateral T20I defeats for the first time in years.
Shreyas Iyer has still not won a game as India’s T20I captain; therefore, the pressure would be quite high. India will be playing the 4th T20I against England at the County Ground in Bristol on July 09, 2026.
Keeping that in mind, the Indian team management could make a few changes to the playing XI for the fourth T20I. Here are three possible changes India could consider against England in Bristol.
3 changes India could make for 4th ENG vs IND T20I
1. Sanju Samson in place Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma has struggled batting at No.5 or No. 6 throughout UK tour. His problem against spin is now a concern, making it difficult for India to build momentum in the middle overs.
Sanju Samson, on the other hand, brings experience and a right-handed option to a batting order that currently has several left-handers. Sanju Samson was one of India’s best performers during the T20 World Cup 2026 and could give stability as well as attacking intent India need in a must-win game in Bristol.
2. Washington Sunder could come in for Axar Patel
Another change India could make is getting Washington Sunder in the playing XI in place of Axar Patel. It will be a like-for-like move, but it helps India in more than one way. Sunder can bowl with better control in English conditions, and he also adds more batting depth, which is useful in a game where India cannot afford another collapse.
Axar Patel failed to make a significant contribution with the bat during the series, while his bowling also lacked consistency against England’s aggressive batting approach.
3. Ravi Bishnoi in place for Varun Chakravarthy
The third possible change that India could make for the 4th T20I in Bristol is bringing Ravi Bishnoi back into the playing XI in place of Varun Chakravarthy.
Varun Chakravarthy has beeb struggling with his form over the last few months and wasn’t able to control the scoring rate in the middle overs in last T20I. In the 3rd T20I, Varun leaked 35 runs in just 3 overs at an economy rate of 11.67 as England batters attacked him confidently.
Although Bishnoi struggled in the second T20I, he remains one of India’s most attacking wrist-spinners. Therefore, giving Bishnoi another opportunity could also help India fight against England’s aggressive batting line-up in a fresh way.
Will Sanju Samson play in the 4th T20I against England?
There is no official confirmation, but the chances are quite high that Sanju Samson will be a part of the playing XI in the 4th T20I in Bristol.
When is the fourth T20I between India and England?
The fourth T20I will be played on July 09, 2026, at County Ground in Bristol.
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Amit Patel is a passionate sports enthusiast and a devoted Virat Kohli admirer who proudly supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Having been involved in sports from a young age, he has played chess at the district level and represented his college in various competitions. Amit closely follows Indian cricket, with a special interest in tracking young talents and rising stars making their mark at the highest level. Alongside his love for the game, he is an experienced sports content writer who enjoys crafting stories that connect with fans.